UK and US companies have signed a series of agreements to accelerate the development of nuclear power, supporting private investment and creating thousands of jobs across the two countries. The deals follow a government-level agreement designed to reduce licensing times for new nuclear projects from three to four years down to around two, enabling faster project delivery.
In the UK, the agreements are expected to expand the nuclear sector, which added 11,000 jobs this year. Projects include plans for up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, potentially generating enough electricity for 1.5 million homes and creating up to 2,500 local jobs, with wider UK programmes targeting a fleet producing 6GW of power. Total economic value for the North East is estimated at £12 billion, with the overall programme projected at £40 billion.
Other initiatives include the development of advanced data centres powered by small modular reactors at the former Cottam coal-fired station in Nottinghamshire, supported by Holtec, EDF, and Tritax, representing an £11 billion investment and creating both construction and long-term operational roles. Last Energy and DP World plan a micro modular reactor to provide clean power for the London Gateway port, backed by £80 million in private funding.
Fuel and technology agreements include Urenco and Radiant supplying advanced HALEU fuel to the US, while TerraPower and KBR will evaluate UK sites for Natrium reactors, each supporting roughly 1,600 construction jobs and 250 permanent positions.
The agreements form part of the UK government’s wider strategy to expand homegrown nuclear energy, including the Sizewell C development, small modular reactor programmes, and investments in fusion energy.
